Set up the Apple TV Remote on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

With the Apple TV Remote app or the Apple TV Remote in Control Center, you can control your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

With the latest version of iOS, the Apple TV Remote is automatically added to Control Center — so you can quickly navigate and control your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV right from the Lock screen on your iOS device.

If you lost or don’t have the remote that came with your Apple TV, learn what to do.

Set up the Apple TV Remote in Control Center

If you haven’t set up your iOS device to control your Apple TV or have an earlier version of iOS, you can manually add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center. Just go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls and tap next to Apple TV Remote.

Set up the Apple TV Remote app

Download the Apple TV Remote app from the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you already have it, check that you have the latest version. To find out, open the App Store and tap Updates.

On your Apple TV, go to Settings > General > Remotes and enter the four-digit code that appears on your iOS device. If the code doesn’t appear and you can control your Apple TV, your iOS device is already paired and you can start using the app.

The Apple TV Remote app also works with Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. You can't use the Apple TV Remote app to control AirPlay 2-compatible smart TVs.

Get help

If you can't set up the Apple TV Remote in Control Center* or the Apple TV Remote app,try these steps. After each step, check to see if you can set up the app: